The Debut of New Albion Ale at GABF ’12

by Renee on October 15, 2012

Wow. What a whirlwind weekend at the Great American Beer Fest! Jack was literally the buzz of Denver with the release of his New Albion Ale from the Boston Beer Company. Things kicked off Friday morning at the Longshot Brunch as Jim Koch told the history of New Albion, and called Jack the “first snowflake in what was to become an avalanche of craft beer”– leaving Jack to respond he’ll now answer to the name “Little Jackie Snowflake!” The media and everyone there ate it up. And then they drank it up–I heard rave reviews of the beer.

From the brunch, we headed to the Pints for Prostates Rare Beer Tasting at Wynkoop Brewing. Jack poured New Albion for anxious crowds, alongside Jim Koch, who poured Sam Adams’ 10th anniversary Utopias. I sat near the line for the tasting and heard the excitement of those waiting to try Jack’s brew. We also had the chance to say hello to Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head Beer while we were there–it always does my heart good to hear the reverence and pleasure folks in the brewing world have for Jack when they get to chat with him. And it made me happy to introduce Jack to some of my good friends from Cleveland who were there at the tasting as well. Jack got a kick out of meeting my beer buddies!

Later that evening, Jack and Jim took the stage at the Friday session of GABF, where they discussed their collaboration, and answered questions from the appreciative audience. New Albion was poured and passed around for those at the talk, and got great reviews there as well. New Albion was also poured during the Saturday Craft Brewers member session–and was a hit among those who were lucky enough to try it. If you weren’t among the lucky ones, just hang on until January–that’s when New Albion will be released by Boston Beer to the general public. You won’t want to miss this simple–yet complex, drinkable, historical ale.

What a great time at GABF & especially at the Rare Beer Tasting. It was such a pleasure to meet Jack, THE living legend of craft brewing. Thanks so much for bringing him over to our little corner so we could say Hello CLE style!

What a BLAST! And Jack truly had a good time signing the books, too. He was such a trooper. He got right out on the floor and chatted up the customers, and we sold lots of books. And then to see him at the brunch and at the Pavilion …. memorable and moving from start to finish. SO glad I could be there with your family.